MINUTES. HEALTHCARE INTERPRETATIONS TASK FORCE 6 JUNE 2006 Orange County Convention Center Room S210D Orlando, FL

Transcription

1 MINUTES HEALTHCARE INTERPRETATIONS TASK FORCE 6 JUNE 2006 Orange County Convention Center Room S210D Orlando, FL 1. The meeting was called to order at 1:05 PM 2. Introduction of members and guests present were completed: Attendance included: MEMBERS Principals Robert Solomon Joe Bermes Ken Bush Gene Cable Philip Hoge David Klein Tom Jaeger George Mills Dale Woodin Mayer Zimmerman REPRESENTING NFPA (Chair) IHS IFMA VA DOD VA AHCA JCAHO ASHE CMS Alternates Doug Erickson John Fishbeck Greg Harrington Jim Merrill Suresh Shah Dick Strub ASHE JCAHO NFPA CMS IHS AHCA Page 1 of 10

2 GUESTS REPRESENTING Tim Adams ASHE Chad Beebe Washington State Dept. of Health Michael Crowley Rolf Jensen & Assoc. David Dagenais Wentworth Douglass Hospital Mike Daniel Daniel Consulting, LTD. A. Richard Fasano Russell Phillips & Assoc. Peter Graham Department of Veterans Affairs Virgil Hall Department of Veterans Affairs George Johnston Loma Linda University & Medical Center Susan McLaughlin SBM Consultants Richard Nolen HCR Manor Care Inc. Dan O Connor Schirmer Engineering Corp. Phil Thomas Beverly Enterprises 3. The Minutes of the 7 June 2005 meeting were approved as submitted. 4. The agenda was approved as submitted. See Enclosure A number of issues were submitted in advance and several new items were brought up for discussion. A review of the items included the following: A. Blocking In Wall Cavities. This item was submitted by JCAHO. The issue involves the acceptability of having an open wall cavity at the top of an assembly that is designed as part of smoke partition or wall designed to resist the passage of smoke. A series of questions addressing requirements in both new and existing healthcare occupancies were reviewed and issued. See HITF Interpretation JUNE 2006 NO. 1. B. Fire Doors in Chute Terminus Rooms. This item was submitted by JCAHO. The issue involves the need to provide rated door openings at: the chute; the room enclosure; or both locations. A series of questions relating to the philosophy and intent of how the room and chute is to be protected with rated enclosures and doors were reviewed and issued. See HITF Interpretation JUNE 2006 NO. 2. Page 2 of 10

3 C. Allowable Gaps Around Corridor Doors. This item was submitted by AHCA. The issue includes allowable gaps or clearances at corridor doors other than smoke barrier doors. Clearance for certain doors is necessary to make sure the door fully opens, properly closes and remains latched. After discussing the details associated with these various clearance issues, a Task Group was appointed to study the issue and report back at the next meeting. Task Group Members are: David Klein VA Chair Tom Jaeger AHCA Jim Merrill CMS George Mills JCAHO D. Incidental Air Movement/Make Up Air. This item was submitted by AHCA. The issue involves the intent behind a Formal Interpretation issued on NFPA 90A (FI No. 90A -02-3) for the 2002 edition. The HITF agreed not to take any formal action on this request. The committee chair and staff liaison for NFPA 90A will be contacted to insure that the 50 CFM value referenced in the FI is not considered an absolute, maximum volume rate. E. Application of NFPA 101A to Certain Exterior Spaces. This item was submitted by AHCA. The issue involves how the FSES should be scored with regard to automatic sprinkler protection when certain exterior areas such as combustible overhangs, canopies or porches are not protected with automatic sprinklers. The application of the FSES when all other areas of the building are protected with automatic sprinklers needs to be clarified. The HITF agreed not to take any formal action on this request. The committee chair and staff liaison for NFPA 101A will be contacted to see if or how the scoring issue can be clarified. F. Sprinkler Protection in Closets and Cabinets. This item was submitted by the VA. The issue involves circumstances in which sprinkler protection can be exempted from closets, wardrobes and cabinets. There are no exceptions in NFPA 13 or NFPA 101 that allow omission of sprinklers in closets in a healthcare occupancy. As noted in the background information, a distinction between built-in closets and wardrobes (or similar furnishings) has normally been the demarcation point. In the request by the VA, one question posed concerned a Page 3 of 10

4 closet lined with a non-combustible lining. Another question involved things like fire extinguisher cabinets and hose cabinets. The HITF took no formal action on the questions. Instead, the submitter was advised to consider submitting proposals to the TC on Automatic Sprinklers for the next edition of NFPA 13. Current closet exceptions in NFPA 13 and NFPA 101 exclusively involve residential occupancies. Addressing areas like hose or fire extinguisher cabinets may result in creation of a laundry list of building items that may or may not require sprinklers. G. Maintaining Previously Required Features in an Existing Building. This item was submitted by the VA. Discussion and action on this item was deferred until the next meeting. H. Conduct of Fire Drills at Multiple Building Sites/Campus Configuration. This item was submitted by the VA. The issue involves the extent and application of emergency drills in: Structures divided to meet criteria for separate buildings in accordance with the building code; or multiple, stand-alone buildings located in different locations or within a campus style environment. The HITF agreed that the emergency drills are intended to test knowledge of all employees in all buildings. A question relating to this comment was reviewed and issued. See HITF Interpretation JUNE 2006 NO An Interim Report from the Door Locking Task Group (See Enclosure 2) was distributed. It will be discussed at the next meeting. 7. New Business: ASHE is looking into the issue of aerosol propellant alcohol hand cleaner. Information previously distributed to the NFPA TC on Healthcare Occupancies that resulted in issuance of the TIA s and new text in NFPA 101 and NFPA 5000 was based on gel type materials. Aerosol based product is being more widely used and this form of the material needs to be reviewed to determine if other changes to NFPA 101 or NFPA 5000 are needed. Page 4 of 10

5 8. Old Business. The agenda item surrounding NFPA 90A was covered by Minute Item 5.D. The HITF was told that the proposal closing date for NFPA 90A was November 22, Next Meeting. The HITF decided to have one more meeting before the end of The preference is to meet at/near CMS Headquarters in Baltimore, MD. Editors Note: Next meeting confirmed for December 8, 2006 at CMS Headquarters. The next meeting after that will be held in June 2007 in Boston during the 2007 NFPA WSCE. 10. The meeting adjourned at 4:10 pm. Minutes prepared and submitted by Robert E. Solomon, PE, NFPA Page 5 of 10

6 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 1

7 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 1 NFPA DOCUMENT NO: NFPA Edition SUBJECT/BACKGROUND: Top of the wall blocking to protect the cavity in corridor walls. Regarding barrier construction, some healthcare facilities would like to create corridor walls with open tops (drywall on two sides, no blocking to close the cavity of the smoke partition. In sprinklered buildings some healthcare facilities would like to create corridor walls that limit the transfer of smoke with drywall on two sides below the lay in ceiling, and either a) run one side to the deck above or b) stop both sides just above the ceiling, thus creating an opening on the occupied side, with no blocking to close the cavity of the corridor wall. Both of these design features could allow the products of combustion to enter the barrier cavity, compromising the integrity of the construction. QUESTIONS: 1. In a fully sprinklered new healthcare occupancy ( ) with non-rated corridor walls is it acceptable to: a. Have the wall constructed of noncombustible material that limits the transfer of smoke on both sides up to the lay-in ceiling or extend only one side to the deck above? Both arrangements are permissible. b. Does a corridor wall constructed as mentioned in a) above need to be blocked at the top of the cavity to prevent products of combustion from entering the assembly? No. This is not a required element. 2. In a fully sprinklered existing healthcare occupancy ( , Exceptions 1, 2 & 3) with non-rated corridor walls, is it acceptable to: a. Have the wall constructed of noncombustible material that limits the transfer of smoke on both sides up to the lay-in ceiling or extend only one side to the deck above? Both arrangements are permissible. b. Does a corridor wall constructed as mentioned in a) above need to be blocked at the top of the cavity to prevent products of combustion from entering the assembly? No. This is not a required element. 3. Are penetrations such as waste lines, electrical back boxes, recessed equipment such as charting stations that enter the corridor side of the wall, required to be wrapped or blocked to prevent smoke from entering the corridor wall cavity? No. There is no requirement to wrap or block such components but they must be trimmed to limit the transfer of smoke.

8 Specific example # 3: Given a situation where a medical center is divided into several distinctly separated buildings, such as a mental health campus facility consisting of nine buildings connected by tunnels. The fire plan is specific to the building in alarm with the plan stating that available personnel from the neighboring two buildings respond to assist. The fire alarm system gives an automatic voice Code Red announcement throughout all nine buildings. Would 12 drills per year be sufficient for each group of three buildings? I believe YES. Campus wide would 36 drills per year meet the Code intent, 12 drills for each group of three? I believe YES. QUESTION: Is it the intent of the Code that twelve drills, once per quarter per shift, be conducted according to the extent of participation called for in the fire plan regardless of the configuration of the building? Yes. The intent of conducting the drills is to expose staff in each building to the protocol. Drills should be initiated and rotated in different locations of each building to ensure broad participation in the drill, knowledge of the protocols to be followed and to verify that the staff members are adequately trained.

9 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 2

10 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 2 NFPA DOCUMENT NO: NFPA Edition SUBJECT/BACKGROUND: A typical design in health care is for linen and waste chutes to terminate in a collection room. NFPA addresses chute loading doors (those doors on the upper floors where staff loads the chute). NFPA requires the chute to terminate in a rated room equivalent to the rating of the chute. The terminus room is to have automatic or self closing 1 ½ hour fire doors. The drawings in the code (Figure Gravity Chute) indicate the need for a bottom terminal door that is self-closing and fire rated, although this is not stated in the body of the text. QUESTIONS: 1. Are both the chute terminal door at the bottom of the chute and the collection room access door required to be automatic or self closing 1 ½ hour fire doors? Yes. 2. If the collection room access door is an automatic or self closing 1 ½ hour fire door, will this suffice for protecting not only the chute but the collection room? If not, what is the philosophy and code reference for requiring both of these doors? No. Protection of the chute terminus room (collection room) requires that protection be provided between the room itself and the shaft (hence the requirement for the rated chute door) and between the chute terminus room and surrounding or adjacent spaces (hence the requirement for the rated door at the opening). See NFPA 82, 1992 Edition, Sections and (NFPA 82, 2004 Edition, Sections and ).

11 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 3

12 HITF INTERPRETATION JUNE 2006 NO. 3 NFPA DOCUMENT NO: NFPA and 2006 Editions SUBJECT/BACKGROUND: HITF addressed a very similar question in May 15, 2001 Disneyland Hotel from NFPA staff, "NFPA Request - Frequency of fire drills at SNF". It apparently concerned a State agency and drill requirements at a SNF attached to a hospital. The HITF did not make a formal interpretation and the minutes went on to say, "Unless the state regulatory agency made some determination with respect to licensing that the SNF and healthcare facility were one in the same, the drills must be completed independent of each other." A new situation is emerging where fire alarm systems, with their amazing micro processing capabilities, are designed to limit where the alarm is sounded. These options are taken in coordination with the fire plan. For example, a large 7-story healthcare facility is separated by 2-hour fire barriers into three buildings, Russell, Hamblet, and Stevens. Where buildings are attached and the option is taken to sound an alarm signal only in the Hamblet building, what effect would that have on the fire drill requirement? For the facility, did we just go from 12 drills per year to 36? The telephone operator still makes the Code Red announcement heard in all three buildings and selected staff respond from all three buildings according to the fire plan, to the fire area. NFPA 101 A states, "the purpose of a fire drill is to test and evaluate the efficiency, knowledge, and response of institutional personnel in implementing the facility fire emergency plan."... "Fire drills should be scheduled on a random basis to ensure the personnel in health care facilities are drilled not less than once in a 3-month period." JCAHO EC.5.30 (2006) states, "The organization conducts fire drills regularly." EP 1. "Fire drills are conducted quarterly on all shifts in each building defined by the LSC as the following: Ambulatory Health care occupancy, Health care occupancy, Residential occupancy." EP # 5 "Staff in all areas of every building where individuals are housed or treated participate in drills to the extent called for in the facility's fire plan." EP # 7 "The effectiveness of fire response training according to the fire plan is evaluated at least annually." Specific example # 1: A health care facility consists of two buildings that abut each other but are separated by a 2-hour fire barrier. The fire plan calls for selected staff in building A to respond to the fire zone in building B. The fire alarm system activates only in Building B and a "Code Red" announcement is transmitted to both buildings according to the fire plan. Are a total of 12 drills per year sufficient, randomly conducted among the two buildings? I believe YES. Specific example # 2: Given the same situation as example # 1except the fire plan does not call for staff in "Building A" to take action for an alarm in Building B, the fire plan does NOT call for staff response from one "building" to another. The phone operator "Code Red" announcement is still transmitted to both buildings. Does the drill in building B count as a fire drill only for building B? I believe YES. Now 24 drills are required for the facility? I believe YES.

13 ENCLOSURE 1

14 HEALTH CARE INTERPRETAITONS TASK FORCE AGENDA 6 June 2006 Orange County Convention Center S2l0 D Orlando, FL 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P. Call to order 1:00 PM. Introduction of Members I Guests. Review I Approval of June 2005 Minutes Review of Questions (See Enclosure A) A. JCAHO: Blocking at Top of Corridor Walls B. JCAHO: Use of Rated Chute Doors C. Other Discussion Items A. Clinical Needs and Lockout Doors Task Group Update (T. Jaeger) B. Other New Business. ASHE Research on Aerosol ABHR Dispensers Old Business Corridor as Air Plenum Issue: Discuss Proposal to NFP A 90A. NFP A 90A PCD is 17 November 2006 Date I Location for Next Meeting Adjournment.

15 Enclosure A JCAHO Issues/Discussion

16 Two issues for discussion at HITF Submitted by George Mills, Sr. Engineer, JCAHO Issue I: Top of the wall blocking to protect the cavity in corridor walls. Regarding barrier construction, some health care facilities would like to create corridor walls with open tops (drywall on two sides, no blocking to close the cavity of the smoke partition. In sprinklered buildings some healthcare facilities would like to create corridor walls that limit the transfer of smoke with drywall on two sides below the lay in ceiling, and either a) run one side to the deck above or b) stop both sides just above the ceiling, thus creating an opening on the occupied side, with no blocking to close the cavity of the corridor wall. Both ofthese design features could allow the products of combustion to enter the barrier cavity, compromising the integrity of the construction. Questions: 1. In a fully sprinklered new healthcare occupancy ( ) with non-rated corridor walls is it acceptable to: a. have the wall constructed of noncombustible material that limits the transfer of smoke on both sides up to the lay-in ceiling or extend only one side to the deck above? b. Does a corridor wall constructed as mentioned in a) above need to be blocked at the top of the cavity to prevent products of combustion from entering the assembly? 2. In a fully sprinklered existing healthcare occupancy ( , Exceptions 1 & 3) with non-rated corridor walls, is it acceptable to: a. have the wall constructed of noncombustible material that limits the transfer of smoke on both sides up to the lay-in ceiling or extend only one side to the deck above? b. Does a corridor wall constructed as mentioned in a) above need to be blocked at the top of the cavity to prevent products of combustion from entering the assembly? 3. Are penetrations such as waste lines, electrical back boxes, recessed equipment such as charting stations that enter one side of the wall, required to be wrapped or blocked to prevent smoke from entering the corridor wall cavity? Issue 2: Fire doors for the terminus of chutes and for collection rooms. A typical design in health care is for linen and waste chutes to terminate in a collection room. NFPA addresses chute loading doors (those doors on the upper floors where staff loads the chute). NFPA requires the chute totermimite in a rated room equivalent to the rating of the chute. The terminus room is to have automatic or selfclosing 1 Yz hour fire doors. The drawings in the code (Figure Gravity Chute) indicate the need for a bottom terminal door that is self-closing and fire rated, although this is not stated in the body of the text. Questions:

17 1. Are both the chute terminal door at the bottom of the chute and the collection room access door required to be automatic or self closing Yz hour fire doors? 2. If the collection room access door is automatic or self closing Y2 hour fire door will this suffice for protecting not only the chute but the collection room? If not what is the philosophy and code reference for requiring both of these doors?

18 Supplemental Agenda Items - #1 - American Health Care Association (AHCA)

19 JAEGER & ASSOCIATES, LLC Holly Spring Drive Great Falls, Virginia T (703) F (703) C (703) Tjae2er1 (Q1aol.com To: Robert Solomon From Tom Jaeger Ref: Request for HITF Interpretations Date: May 23, 2006 Robert, I apologize for the delay in getting this request for interpretations to you and I appreciate your willingness to amend the HITF Meeting Agenda. Interpretation Request # Life Safety Code Issue: Health care facilities on a national basis are being cited for deficient corridor doors by AHJ' s if the gap between the sides or top of the door exceeds 1/8 inch. We are referring to corridor doors that are not part of a smoke barrier. Section states that for corridor doors "Compliance with NFP A 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows shall not be required." Section Al states "Gasketing of doors should not be necessary to achieve resistance to the passage of smoke if the doors are relatively tight fitting. The majority of existing health care facilities have solid core wood doors in the corridors particularly to patient sleeping rooms, and these doors are usually 40" to 44" wide. Wide wood doors like those used in existing health care facilities will expand and contract due to changes in temperature and humidity and over time warp to some degree. It is not practical, particularly on the latch side of the door, to maintain a minimum of a 1/8 inch gap. If a 40" to 44" wood door was installed during a dry period with a 1/8 inch gap it may not close and latch when the humidity was high. An 1/8 inch gap i~.not sufficient clearance for proper operation of these doors. We recognize that the Code does limit doors in smoke barriers to a maximum gap of 1/8 inch and requires doors in smoke barriers to. maintain a higher level of smoke resistance than corridor doors. Section A states that smoke barriers and doors are required to resist the passage of smoke, a higher level of protection than "relatively tight fitting. No where in the Code does it state that the minimum gap for corridor doors is 1/8 inch and the Code specifically states that compliance with NFPA 80 is not required. believe the AHJ' s are incorrectly applying the 1/8 inch;gap restriction for doors in smoke barriers to corridor doors that are not part of a smoke barrier.

20 Question: Does the 2000 Life Safety Code corridor doors and the door frame to 118 inch? limit the gap between the sides or top of Interpretation Request # NFP A 90A Issue: The Health Care Interpretation Task Force meet with representatives of the NFP A 90A Technical Committee in June 2005 to discuss the issue of corridor plenums and what constituted incidental air movement. It was agreed that make up air for typical bathroom exhaust fans would constitute incidental air movement and when the make up air for the bathroom exhaust system is supplied from the corridor, the corridor would not be classified as a plenum. The representatives from the NFPA 9OA Technical Committee where very clear that although the Committee had discussed the issue of what constitutes incidental air movement, the Committee did not want to specify a CFM number in the standard. The representatives stated that what constitutes incidental air movement can vary from building to building depending on several factors such as the volume of the corridor. The NFPA 90A Technical Committee recently issued a Formal Interpretation (FI-02- of the 2002 NFP A 90A, see attached, that basically stated that 50 CFM make up air from the corridor for a bathroom exhaust fan for a residents room complied with NFP A 90A and did not require that the corridor be considered a plenum. We agree with the interpretation, but want to insure that the 50 CFM number not be considered a maximum number for incidental air movement, but instead be considered to fall within the range of what is incidental air movement. We believe this is consistent with the discussions with the NFP A 90A representatives and no where in the FI does it state or infer that the 50CFM number is a maximum. Question: Does the 50 CFM number in FI 90A-02-3 constitute a maximum number for incidental air movement in Section of the 1999 edition ofnfpa 9OA? Interpretation Request #3: 2001 NFPA 101A Issue: Recently the American Health Care Association (AHCA) submitted a request for a Formal Interpretation for the 2001 NFPA 101A relative to Chapter 4 Fire Safety Evaluation System for Health Care Occupancies. Specifically, the FI request addressed whether outside pathways from the exit discharge to a public way was covered in Safety Parameter 10, Emergency Movement Routes. AHCA asked for the formal interpretation because nursing homes were being told that the FSES did not apply to these pathways, in part because they were outside the building. The Formal Interpretation issued by NFP see attached, clearly states that the FSES does apply to the pathways. Nursing homes are now being told that the FSES does not apply and can not be used for the lack of sprinkler protection for outside overhangs greater than 4 feet in width, outside canopies, porches, etc. in an otherwise sprinklered buil4ing. That is, in a building where all corridors and habitable spaces are protected by spriilklers. In part, AHCA is being told that these unsprinklered spaces are outside the building and therefore the FSES does not apply

21 AHCA disagrees that the FSES does not apply. It is AHCA' s position that the above situation is clearly addressed and applies in Safety Parameter 13, Automatic Sprinklers. It is the position of AHCA that the lack of sprinkler protection in these outside areas would result in the facility receiving 8 points in Parameter 13 instead of 10 points... ARCA believes the FSES is very clear on this issue. Question: Is it the intent to pennit NFP AlOIA, Chapter 4, Fire Safety Evaluation System for Health Care Occupancies, Section to be used to evaluate the level of safety for a health care occupancy that does not confonn with the provisions of the 2000 NFP A 101, Section , such as that related to the lack of sprinkler protection of outside combustible overhangs, canopies, porches, etc?

22 Volume 10 Number 2 February, 2006 Comments Sought Proposed Tentative Interim Amendments The following Tentative Interim Amendments (TIAs) have been proposed to the NFPA. They are being published for public review and comment. Comments should be filed with the Secretary, Standards Council, by the dates indicated below. These proposed TIAs have also been forwarded to the responsible technical committees for processing. The technical committees will consider comments received by the date indicated below before final action is taken on the proposed TIAs. (Please identify the number of the TIA to which the comment is addressed.) The Standards Council will then review the technical committees ballot results, the public comments, and any other information that has been submitted to determine whether to issue the TIAs at its meeting on March 21 22, Anyone wishing to address the Council should contact Codes and Standards Administration. A TIA is tentative because it has not been processed through the entire codes- and standards-making procedures. It is interim because it is effective only between editions of the document. A TIA automatically becomes a proposal of the proponent for the next edition of the document. As such, it then is subject to all of the procedures of the codes- and standards-making process. NFPA 59A, 2006 Standard for the Production, Storage, and Handling of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) TIA Log No. 838R Reference: , , 5.2.4, 5.2.5, , 5.2.6, , Comment Closing Date: March 8, 2006 Submitter: Richard Hoffmann, Hoffmann & Feige 1. Revise to read: Double Containment Container. A single containment container surrounded by a wall (secondary container) and within 20 ft (6 m) of an opening to the atmosphere wall (secondary container) and that is designed to contain the entire volume of LNG released in the event of a spill from the primary or inner container where the space between the inner container and the wall is opento-the atmosphere. 2. Revise to read: Full Containment Container. A container in which the consisting of an inner (primary) container that is surrounded by a secondary (outer) container with a concrete or steel roof designed to contain LNG liquid in the event of a spill from the inner container and where the secondary container is enclosed by a steel or concrete roof designed such that excess vapor caused by a spill of LNG from the primary container will discharge through the pressure relief valves system. 3. Revise to read: Container Spacing of Single Containment LNG Containers and Flammable Refrigerant Containers. INSIDE NFPA NEWS TIA Comments Sought 1 Motions Committee Report Available Annual Cycle ROC Available 3 Formal Interpretation Issued 5 Standards Council Minutes 8 Coming Events 8 Committees Soliciting Proposals The minimum separation distance between single containment LNG containers or tanks containing flammable refrigerants and exposures shall be in accordance with Table or with the approval of the authority having jurisdiction at a shorter distance from buildings or walls constructed of concrete or masonry but at least 10 ft (3.0 m) from any building openings Spacing of Double and Full Containment LNG Containers Double and full containment containers with concrete secondary containers shall have a separation distance to limit the incident thermal radiation flux from a full tank liquid fire within the primary or secondary container of an adjacent tank as follows: (1) Steel wall and roofs: 47,000 4,700 Btu/ft 2 /hr (15,000 W/m 2 ) (2) Concrete walls: 95,000 9,500 Btu/ft 2 /hr (30,000 W/m 2 ) (A) Unchanged (B) Where a water spray or deluge system shall be permitted to 1 February, 2006

23 be is used to limit the thermal radiation flux onto the structure an adjacent container, the separation distance between containers shall be such that the radiation flux does not exceed the limits in 5.2.5, but in no event shall the separation distance be less than 1/ 2 the diameter of the largest tank be less than the distance specified in Table Other Container Spacing Requirements A clear space of at least 3 ft (0.9 m) shall be provided for access to all isolation valves serving multiple containers LNG containers of greater than 125 gal (0.5 m3) capacity shall not be located in buildings. 4. Renumber following paragraphs accordingly. Submitters Reason: The definition of Double Containment Container is revised to clarify that the space between the inner and outer container is open to the atmosphere. The definition of Full Containment Container is revised editorially and to clarify that pressure relief systems other than pressure relief valves can be used on full containment containers. Paragraph is revised to separate it into paragraphs covering spacing of double containment LNG containers, full containment LNG containers, and other related subjects. Paragraph contained a significant error in that required excessive inter-container separation distances. The values in (1) and (2) are revised to correct an error in conversion from the metric units which were provided in the proposal. Emergency Nature: This TIA corrects an error made in the revision of Chapter 5 for the 2006 edition. As written, the Code requires excessively large inter-container spacing distances, which have significant impact on the siting of these very large LNG containers (typically larger than 1,000,000 gallons), requiring more land, or potentially limiting the number of containers that can be located on a site. Both of these have significant economic impact on projects, and the economics of LNG imports, which are needed. As there are 31 LNG plants under consideration (FERC Data) in the U. S. and others in other countries, this TIA is needed and can not wait for the next revision cycle of NFPA 59A. NFPA 90A 2002 Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems TIA Log No. 839 Reference: Comment Closing Date: March 3, 2006 Submitter: Dale Woodin, American Society for Healthcare Engineering 1. Revise to read as follows: Maintenance. At least every four years the following maintenance shall be performed: (1) Fusible links (where applicable) shall be removed. (2) All dampers shall be operated to verify that they close fully. (3) The latch, if provided, shall be checked. (4) Moving parts shall be lubricated as necessary Testing and Maintenance All newly installed or repaired dampers or where work on the duct system is performed within 6 ft of a damper, the damper shall be tested in accordance with Chapter 7 and (1) through (6) prior to being placed into service At least every four years, the following maintenance shall be performed. (1) Fusible links (where applicable) shall be removed. (2) All dampers shall be operated to verify that they close fully. (3) The latch, if provided, shall be checked for proper operation. (4) Moving parts shall be lubricated as necessary. (5) Fusible links (where applicable) shall be cleaned of any foreign matter, and reinstalled, or replaced with a new listed link of the same rating Dampers in health care occupancies as defined by NFPA 101 shall be tested at least every six years in accordance with (1) through (6) When the damper manufacturer s literature indicates a more frequent maintenance and testing schedule, that schedule shall be followed Records shall be maintained on test results Records shall be available for inspection. Submitter s Reason: The unfortunate part of the return the entire report decision of the Standards Council is that some extremely good work was lost in the process. The health care community was challenged by the proposal to modify the existing four-year damper-testing provision to annual testing. The American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE) responded to this challenge by presenting evidence, obtained from hundreds of hospitals across the nation, disputing the need for annual testing. This evidence proved that annual testing was excessive and that routine testing could be extended beyond a four-year cycle without reducing the reliability of the dampers. The technical committee agreed and modified their own proposal to allow testing on a six-year cycle for health care occupancies. The unintended consequence of returning the entire report is the loss of this evidence-based improvement to 90A that will have a monumental positive impact on our health care system. By reverting to the previous edition, we have not gained the two additional years between testing our fire and smoke dampers. The effect of not publishing this final action will mean: Continued frequent disruption of patient occupied space(s) as we are a 24/7 occupancy and don t have the luxury of doing testing on off hours Potential increase in patient infections due to disturbing the particulate in the ductwork by closing the dampers Potential increase in patient infections by having to access concealed spaces and ceiling cavities Modification of essential pressure differentials by exercising dampers in critical spaces such as airborne infection isolation rooms, operating suites, laboratories, protective environments, etc. Wear and tear on the dampers being tested with the inevitable need to replace them if damaged during testing and the extended disruption of the space and the ventilation system, and A lost opportunity to reduce the regulatory burden on hospitals nationwide by over $500 million through extending the testing cycle from once every four years to once every six years 2 February, 2006

24 With an estimated 5,000 patients in health care facilities dying on an annual basis due to the disruption of the physical environment, of which getting access above dropped ceilings and into access panels is a major contributor, the addition of two years to the existing four-year frequency would be a monumental advancement in preventing environmental-related infection in patients. Couple this with an estimated savings of a half-billion dollars that can be applied toward desperately needed staffing, new technology, and care of the indigent patient population, and you have a very compelling reason for adopting this TIA. Keep in mind, NFPA 90A TC members readily acknowledge previous comprehensive testing data did not exist and therefore the existing test frequency was nothing more than a best guess by the technical committee. At the Standards Council appeal on NFPA 90A, each party addressing the Council made a statement about wanting to find a way to retain the modification to the paragraph; this is that opportunity. Standards Council News Now Available: Report of the Motions Committee on Certified Amending Motions for Fall 2005 Revision Cycle Documents Under new rules that are now in effect, starting with the Fall 2005 Revision Cycle, only NFPA documents with Certified Amending Motions will be addressed at the next available NFPA Association Technical Meeting. The Notices of Intent to Make a Motion (NITMAM) were due November 10, The Motions Committee Report on the Fall 2005 Revision Cycle Documents is now available by logging on to the NFPA website at F05NITMAMReport.pdf. These documents are scheduled for presentation at the 2006 Association Technical Meeting to be held on June 7-8, 2006 in Orlando, Florida. Annual 2006 Revision Cycle Documents with Certified Amending Motions (NITMAMs due April 7, 2006) will be indicated in the Report of the Motions Committee on Certified Amending Motions for Annual 2006 Revision Cycle Documents, which is scheduled to be available no later than May 5, 2006 on the NFPA website. Documents with Certified Amending Motions from both the Fall 2005 and Annual 2006 Revision Cycles will be considered at the 2006 Association Technical Meeting on June 7-8, 206 in Orlando, Florida. For information on the Report of the Motions Committee, as well as the applicable rules (see Regulations Governing Committee Projects and the Technical Meeting Convention Rules) log on to Annual Revision Cycle Report on Comments Available Soon The 2006 Annual Revision Cycle Report on Comments will be available on February 24, It will contain a compilation of NFPA Technical Committee Reports on Comments. To obtain a copy of the Report on Comments being presented for action, download the file from NFPA s Web site at RL or complete and return the coupon below. Under the new Regulations, the proposed NFPA Documents addressed in this Report on Comments (ROC) and in the Report on Proposals (ROP) will be presented for action at the June 2006 Annual Association Technical Meeting only when proper Amending Motions have been submitted. Anyone wishing to make Amending Motions on the Technical Committee Reports (ROP and ROC) must signal their intention by submitting a Notice of Intent to Make a Motion by the deadline of April 7, Certified motions will be posted by May 5, Documents that receive notice of proper Amending Motions (Certified Amending Motions) will be presented for action at the Annual 2006 Association Technical Meeting. Documents that receive no motions will be forwarded directly to the Standards Council for action on issuance. For more information on the new rules, see the inside front cover and for up-to-date information on schedules and deadlines for processing NFPA Documents, check the NFPA Web site at or contact NFPA Standards Administration. Listed below are documents that may have received comments and would, therefore, have reports appearing in the 2006 Annual Revision Cycle Report on Comments (ROC). NFPA NFPA 13D 2002 NFPA 13R 2002 NFPA NFPA NFPA NFPA 30A 2003 NFPA 30B 2002 NFPA NFPA NFPA NFPA Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in One- and Two-Family Dwellings and Manufactured Homes Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height Standard for Water Spray Fixed Systems for Fire Protection Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages Code for the Manufacture and Storage of Aerosol Products Standard for Drycleaning Plants Standard for Spray Application Using Flammable or Combustible Materials Standard for Dipping and Coating Processes Using Flammable or Combustible Liquids Standard for the Storage and Handling of Cellulose Nitrate Film 3 February, 2006

25 NFPA National Fire Alarm Code NFPA Recommended Practice on Static Electricity NFPA Standard for Fire Doors and Fire Windows NFPA 80A 2001 Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures NFPA Standard for Ovens and Furnaces NFPA 88A 2002 Standard for Parking Structures NFPA 101A 2004 Guide on Alternative Approaches to Life Safety NFPA 101B 2002 Code for Means of Egress for Buildings and Structures NFPA Standard for the Installation of Smoke Door Assemblies NFPA Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems NFPA Standard on Fire Safety in Racetrack Stables NFPA Standard for the Protection of Records NFPA Standard on Fire Test for Window and Glass Block Assemblies NFPA Recommended Practice for Determining Smoke Generation of Solid Materials NFPA Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces NFPA Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls NFPA Standard Test Method for Determining Ignitibility of Exterior Wall Assemblies Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source NFPA Standard Test Method for Developing Toxic Potency Data for Use in Fire Hazard Modeling NFPA Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Flammability of Materials in Cleanrooms Using a Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) NFPA Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Floor Fire Door Assemblies Installed Horizontally in Fire Resistance-Rated Floor Systems NFPA Recommended Practice for Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants NFPA Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing NFPA Standard for Aircraft Rescue and Fire-Fighting Vehicles NFPA 556 P* Guide for Identification and Development of Mitigation Strategies for Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles NFPA Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions NFPA Standard for the Prevention of Fires and Explosions in Wood Processing and Woodworking Facilities NFPA Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response NFPA Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fuel Cell Power Systems NFPA Standard for Industrial Fire Brigade Member Professional Qualifications NFPA Code for the Manufacture of Model Rocket and High Power Rocket Motors NFPA Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting NFPA Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems NFPA Standard on Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program NFPA Standard on Comprehensive Occupational Medical Program for Fire Departments NFPA Standard on Protective Ensemble for Structural Fire Fighting NFPA Standard on Protective Ensemble for Proximity Fire Fighting NFPA Standard on Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire NFPA Standard on Selection, Care, Use, and Maintenance of Flame-Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire P* Proposed new document Print and CD-ROM versions can be ordered by filling out the attached coupon and returning it to NFPA. Under the NFPA codes- and standards-making process, recipients of the Report on Proposals have a period of time in which to make comments on the Report on Proposals. This comment period ended September 2, The Report on Comments will contain all comments received on the Report on Proposals, together with the responses of the respective committees. Please send me: 2006 Annual Revision Cycle Report on Comments (ROC-2006AC) (CD-ROM Version) 2006 Annual Revision Cycle Report on Comments (ROC-2006AC) (Print Version) NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ZIP CODE Return the coupon to NFPA, Fulfillment Center, 11 Tracy Drive, Avon, MA 02322, or fax it to the Fulfillment Center at February, 2006

26 Formal Interpretations Issued The following Formal Interpretations have been issued. Copies of all FIs (if not published here) are available from Standards Administration, NFPA, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA , or by calling NFPA 90A 2002 Standard for the Installation of Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Systems Reference: , and FI No. 90A-02-3 Question No. 1: When the resident s room windows are closed, can the 50 cfr of air exhausted from the bathroom and drawn from the room in general be in whole or in part made up by infiltration through the NFPA 80 complying clearances around and under the corridor door due to the resultant pressure differences? Answer: Yes. Question No. 2: Does the corridor described constitute a plenum or air duct as these terms were intended to apply under 90A? Answer: No. NFPA 90A 2002 Standard for the Installation of Air- Conditioning and Ventilating Systems Reference: FI No. 90A Question: Is it the intent of NFPA 90A: to prohibit the installation of a Type B vent, which is connected to and exhausts a natural gas fire boiler within an environmental air shaft? Answer: Yes. Call for Members The Committee on Aircraft Maintenance Operations is seeking members in all interest categories. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 410, Standard on Aircraft Maintenance. The Committee on Animal Housing Facilities is seeking members in all interest categories. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 150, Standard on Fire Safety in Racetrack Stables. The Committee on Automatic Sprinklers Foam-Water Sprinklers is seeking members in the following interest categories: labor, enforcer, manufacturer, installer/maintainer, and consumer. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 16, Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems. The Committee on Boiler Combustion System Hazards Stoker Operations is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers and users. This Committee is responsible for stoker material in NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. The Committee on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Vehicular Fuel Systems Code is seeking members in the interest category of enforcer. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 52, Vehicular Fuel Systems Code. The Committee on Carbon Monoxide Detection is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers and users. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 720, Standard for the Installation of Carbon Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment in Dwelling Units. The Committee on Chimneys, Fireplaces, and Venting Systems for Heat-Producing Appliances is seeking members in the interest categories of installer/maintainer, enforcing authority, and consumer. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 211, Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances. The Committee on Electrical Equipment of Industrial Machinery is seeking members in all interest categories except users or manufacturers. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 79, Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery. The Committee on Electrical Systems Maintenance is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 73, Electrical Inspection Code for Existing Dwellings. The Committee on Electronic Safety Equipment for Fire and Emergency Services is seeking members in all interest categories. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 1982, Standard on Personal Alert Safety Systems (PASS). The Committee on Emergency Vehicle Mechanic Technicians Professional Qualifications is seeking members in all interest categories. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 1071, Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications. The Committee on Exposure Fire Protection is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 80A, Recommended Practice for Protection of Buildings from Exterior Fire Exposures. The Committee on Fine Aerosol Extinguishing Technology is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts. The Committee on Fire Department Ground Ladders is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 1931, Standard for Manufacturer s Design of Fire Department Ground Ladders; and NFPA 1932, Standard on Use, Maintenance, and Service Testing of In- Service Fire Department Ground Ladders. The Committee on Fire Marshal Professional Qualifications is seeking members in all interest categories except users (fire marshals). The Committee on Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications is seeking members in all interest categories except enforcers, special experts, and users. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 1041, Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications. 5 February, 2006

27 The Flammable Liquids Code Fundamentals Committee is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturers, special experts, and insurance. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. The Committee on Fluidized Bed Boilers is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturer. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. The Committee on Fundamentals of Combustion Systems Hazards is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturer. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 85, Boiler and Combustion Systems Hazards Code. The Committee on Garages and Parking Structures is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturer, special experts, and users. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 88A, Standard for Parking Structures. The Committee on Handling and Conveying of Dusts, Vapors, and Gases is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 91, Standard for Exhaust Systems for Air Conveying of Vapors, Gases, Mists, and Noncombustible Particulate Solids; NFPA 654, Standard for the Prevention of Fire and Dust Explosions from the Manufacturing, Processing, and Handling of Combustible Particulate Solids; and NFPA 655, Standard for Prevention of Sulfur Fires and Explosions. The Committee on Hazard and Risk of Contents and Furnishings is seeking members in the interest categories of consumer, insurance, fire service, education, and special interest in vehicular furnishings. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 555, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Potential for Room Flashover; and proposed NFPA 556, Guide for the Identification and Development of Mitigation Strategies for Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Administration is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Electrical Equipment is seeking members in all interest categories except users. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Electrical Systems is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts and users. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Gas Delivery Equipment is seeking members in all interest categories except users. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Health Care Emergency Management is seeking members in all interest categories except users, enforcers, and special experts. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Hyperbaric and Hypobaric Facilities is seeking members in all interest categories except users and manufacturers. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Health Care Facilities Laboratories is seeking members in all interest categories except users. This Committee is responsible for chapters in NFPA 99, Standard for Health Care Facilities. The Committee on Incident Management Professional Qualifications is seeking members in all interest categories. The Committee on Incinerators and Waste Handling Systems is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturer. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 82, Standard on Incinerators and Waste and Linen Handling Systems and Equipment. The Committee on Industrial and Medical Gases is seeking members in the enforcer category only. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 51, Standard for the Design and Installation of Oxygen Fuel Gas Systems for Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes; NFPA 51A, Standard for Acetylene Cylinder Charging Plants; NFPA 55, Standard for the Storage, Use, and Handling of Compressed Gases and Cryogenic Fluids in Portable and Stationary Containers, Cylinders, and Tanks; and NFPA 560, Standard for the Storage, Handling, and Use of Ethylene Oxide for Sterilization and Fumigation. The Committee on Internal Combustion Engines is seeking members in the following interest categories: enforcer and user. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 37, Standard for the Installation and Use of Stationary Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines. The Committee on Liquid Fuel Burning Equipment is seeking members in the interest categories of insurance and user. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 31, Standard for the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment. The Committee on LP-Gases at Utility Gas Plants is seeking members in all interest categories except special experts. This Committee is responsible for NFPA 59, Utility LP-Gas Plant Code. The Technical Correlating Committee on Manufactured Homes is seeking members in the interest categories of consumer, users, installation/maintenance, and insurance. This Committee has jurisdiction over NFPA 501, Standard on Manufactured Housing; NFPA 501A, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities; and NFPA 225, Model Manufactured Home Installation Standard. The Committee on Electrical Systems for Manufactured Housing is seeking members in all interest categories except manufacturer and enforcer. This Committee is responsible for chapters in the following documents: NFPA 501, Standard on Manufactured Housing; NFPA 501A, Standard for Fire Safety Criteria for Manufactured Home Installations, Sites, and Communities; and NFPA 225, Model Manufactured Home Installation Standard. The Committee on Fire Safety Systems for Manufactured Housing is seeking members in the interest categories of insurance, consumer, and research and testing. This Committee is 6 February, 2006